Hi everyone,
I'm trying to delete an App ID from Certificates, Identifiers & Profiles on the Apple Developer portal, but I'm getting the following error: "The App ID 'XXXXXXX' appears to be in use by the App Store, so it can not be removed at this time."
Here's my situation:
- The app was never published to the App Store — it was only created in App Store Connect (no builds were ever submitted for review, and it was never in a "Ready for Sale" state).
- I have already removed the app from App Store Connect via "Remove App" in App Information. The app is no longer visible in my App Store Connect dashboard.
- It has been over 48 hours since I removed the app from App Store Connect.
- Despite this, the Identifiers page still shows the error above when I attempt to delete the corresponding App ID.
What I've tried:
- Confirmed the app no longer appears in App Store Connect (including checking "Removed Apps" filter)
- Waited over 48 hours for the system to propagate
- Cleared browser cache and retried
My goal: I need to release this Bundle ID so it can be registered under a different Apple Developer account.
Questions:
- Is there an additional waiting period beyond 48 hours before the App ID can be deleted?
- Is there a way to force-release this App ID, or do I need to contact Apple Developer Support directly?
- Has anyone experienced this same issue with an app that was never published?
Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Environment:
- Apple Developer Program (Organization account)
- App was created in App Store Connect but never submitted for review
- Platform: iOS